Studies at Halmstad University
Studying in Sweden might differ from studying in your home country. We know that there are some cultural differences that are good to prepare for prior to your stay in Sweden in order to succeed in your studies.
About the education
As an international student at Halmstad University, there might be a few things that are new to you when it comes to academic education and how the studies are being structured.
Study structure
In Sweden you are in charge of your own studies to a large extent. Full-time studies in Sweden correspond approximately to a 40-hour week, although you might only have a few hours of lectures or seminars each week. Teaching may take other forms, such as seminars, group work, laboratory work and independent studies. Each course or programme is measured in credits, using the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). 30 credits are equal to the workload of a full-time student over one semester.
Teamwork
Working together with classmates from different cultures to solve a task or writing a paper is a part of your academic studies in Sweden. At Halmstad University we put extra emphasis on this as we believe great results are achieved when different perspectives meet. Teamwork might be challenging at times but will be a valuable experience when building your career.
Teamwork is an important part of the education in Sweden and Halmstad University.
Academic writing
In Sweden, we have set rules on how to write academic papers, where it is specifically important to reference sources of information in a correct way. When using another author’s text, this needs to be either rephrased or put into quotation marks. This way of writing can be quite complex in the beginning and we advise you to learn the system correctly at an early stage in your study period. There is support to get from the Study Support Centre.
Equality and critical thinking
Sweden is founded on democracy where everyone has the same right to give their opinion. This principle is present in all parts of the society and plays an important role in the academic world, where discussions are encouraged. Don’t be surprised if the teacher asks you for your opinion during class as this is a way of involving the students and developing critical thinking.
Grading systems
At Halmstad University we do not use ECTS grades or GPA. Instead we use one of the following grading systems with their respective gradings:
- Pass or Fail
- VG, G, U (Fail)
- 5, 4, 3, U (Fail)
- A, B, C, D, E, F (Fail)
All of the above grades are in descending order.
Degree levels
The following degrees are offered at Halmstad University.
First level
University Diploma, 120 HE credits (two years)
Degree of Bachelor, 180 HE credits (three years)
In Sweden, a Bachelor’s Degree requires 180 Swedish higher education credits (HE credits) at first level, of which at least 90 credits with increasingly in-depth studies have to be in the main field of study. The main field of study must also include a diploma project of 15 credits.
In order to get accepted to first level studies, a student needs to have a completed programme in the upper-secondary school or the equivalent and fulfil the specified admission requirements.
Second level
Halmstad University offers both One Year and Two Years Master’s degrees and all our degrees are fully recognised internationally.
Degree of Master (One Year), 60 HE credits
A Swedish Degree of Master (One Year) requires 60 Swedish higher education credits, of which 30 credits have to be within the main field of study. The main field of study must include one independent thesis of 15 credits.
Degree of Master (Two Years), 120 HE credits
A Swedish Degree of Master (Two Years) requires 120 Swedish higher education credits, of which 60 credits have to be within the main field of study. The main field of study must include one independent thesis of 30 credits.
In order to get accepted to the second level, a student needs to hold a Bachelor’s Degree of at least 180 Swedish higher education credits or an equivalent foreign degree and fulfil the specified admission requirements.
Help and support
As a student at Halmstad University, you have access to several support functions and services in connection to your studies and general well-being.
Student Healthcare Centre
Do you have any questions regarding your physical or mental health? You are always welcome to talk to the Student Healthcare Centre if you have something on your mind related to your studies or general health.
Disability study support
In case you have a disability which affects your studies, there is extra support available during your study period. Contact us prior to starting your studies and let us help you in finding suitable solutions.
Preparatory visit for exchange students
If you are an exchange student, you are welcome to visit Halmstad University for a preparatory visit to see the facilities and see if there is any additional support you need to arrange before you start your studies.
To request a preparatory visit, please contact helpdesk.exchange@hh.se
Example of what you can do during a preparatory visit:
- Appointment with the disability officer to determine your needs.
- Visit the housing office.
- Visit to the campus.
- Appointment with the international office.
- Other options are open for discussion.
If you are an Erasmus student, you can apply to your home university to cover the costs of the preparatory visit through the Erasmus+ programme. Halmstad University does not cover the costs of the preparatory visit.
Service Center
At Service Center you can get support with most things related to the University and your studies. Ask about registration, admission, examination, graduation, certificates or how to find your way around campus.
The staff at Service center are there to assist you with any questions you might have concerning your education or student life.
Study Support Centre
When you need different types of student support, you can turn to the Study Support Centre. You can for example get help with spelling and grammar through the Study Support Centre.
Study and career guidance
If you’re unsure of your choice of education or if you want to discuss your future career plans, you are welcome to talk with one of our student counsellors at the Student Affairs Department.
The University Library
At the library you can find a lot of useful tools during your studies such as literature, journals, reference citing books and various data bases. The building also offers a relaxed study environment.
The student incubator – H5 Student
Do you dream of starting your own company? H5 Student is a business incubator which helps students with coaching and business plans for their entrepreneurial ideas. Even if you don’t have your own business idea, H5 Student can connect you with entrepreneurs in need of your skills.
